A new experimental gigapixel camera with a billion pixels has been built by scientists at Duke University.

Called AWARE 2, the device synchronises 98 mini cameras, enabling it to take photos in amazing detail. The resolution of this camera is five times better than a person's 20/20 vision.

The camera has the potential to capture 50 gigapixels. That's 50,000 megapixels! Most consumer cameras only capture 8 to 40 megapixels.

The project has cost $25 million and is funded by the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Defence.

The creators of this new camera believe that within 5 years, the components will become more efficient and miniaturised, meaning that the camera could be available to the public. Currently, it weighs 100 pounds and is about the size of two microwave ovens. It also requires a lot of cooling for its motherboards.